Introducing Eric Pickersgill
American photographer Eric Pickersgill photoshopped away the smartphones and digital devices from his portraits of everyday life. The project “Removed” aims to show our addiction to modern technology, social media, and hyper-connectivity. “Not much talking. Father and two daughters have their phones out. Mom doesn’t have one or chooses to leave it put away. She stares out the window, sad and alone in the company of her closest family. Dad looks up every so often to announce some obscure piece of info he found online.”
He achieved the surreal effect in his photography art by asking strangers and friends to remain in position, taking the shot and then removing the devices in final photoshopped pictures. |
How could his photography inspire your own portrayal of Social Media issues?
In depth Image Analysis
Select one of Eric Pickersgill's photos to analyse in depth.
Refer to the supergrid and artist analysis guides below for the technical things to talk about, but also include an analysis of the way social media is depicted in his photography. Also see the two student examples!
(click to enlarge)
Refer to the supergrid and artist analysis guides below for the technical things to talk about, but also include an analysis of the way social media is depicted in his photography. Also see the two student examples!
(click to enlarge)
Your task
Write a paragraph to explain how the image could inspire your own photography outcome, representing an issue surrounding Social Media. This should not be a copy of his work, but you should take his idea and generate your own way of representing the idea of people using their phones too much and the impact this can have on society.
Plan out your photoshoot. Include drawings within your plan.
Create your image by creatively setting up a scene, and directing your models.
Upload and review your work:
- how did you take inspiration from the artist?
- what editing skills have you demonstrated?
- how effectively have you represented your chosen element of mental health?
- how would you develop from here if this was the start of your project?
Write a paragraph to explain how the image could inspire your own photography outcome, representing an issue surrounding Social Media. This should not be a copy of his work, but you should take his idea and generate your own way of representing the idea of people using their phones too much and the impact this can have on society.
Plan out your photoshoot. Include drawings within your plan.
Create your image by creatively setting up a scene, and directing your models.
Upload and review your work:
- how did you take inspiration from the artist?
- what editing skills have you demonstrated?
- how effectively have you represented your chosen element of mental health?
- how would you develop from here if this was the start of your project?